Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and mastersons bar review frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s breaking news actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .